Business Development

The goal of the Business Development Program is to help persons with low incomes gain self-sufficiency through self-employment. The program administers a Business Development Loan Fund which provides loans to start-up and existing eligible businesses. ADVOCAP is designated as a lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Micro Loan Program.

Eligibility

Enrollment in the Job & Business Development (JBD) program is limited to persons whose income does not exceed 150% of poverty for the preceding 90 days. Preference is given to single parents enrolled in the W-2 program, dislocated workers, persons with disabilities, and those workers who have recently lost their jobs.

Available Services

Business Development Specialists provide technical assistance to help participants start or expand a business. Technical assistance can include, but is not limited to the following:

Completing applications required by various state and federal agencies for identification numbers, sellers' permits, and various tax forms

Local Partners

The Business Development Department works very closely with the following local agencies and organizations to better serve income eligible persons by providing updated information on trainings, workshops, and seminars available through outside sources.